A truncated accretion disk in the galactic black hole source H1743-322

To investigate the geometry of the accretion disk in the source H1743-322, we have carried out a detailed X-ray temporal and spectral study using RXTE pointed observations. We have selected all data pertaining to the Steep Power Law (SPL) state during the 2003 outburst of this source. We find anti-correlated hard X-ray lags in three of the observations and the changes in the spectral and timing parameters (like the QPO frequency) confirm the idea of a truncated accretion disk in this source. Compiling data from similar observations from other sources, we find a correlation between the fractional change in the QPO frequency and the observed delay. We suggest that these observations indicate a definite size scale in the inner accretion disk (the radius of the truncated disk) and we explain the observed correlation using various disk parameters like Compton cooling time scale, viscous time scale etc..Comment: 12 pages, 6 figures. accepted for the publicatin in RA

Is KT Mon a Classical Nova?

KT Mon has been considered as a classical nova in 1942 based on its light curve and spectroscopy. However, we noticed a unusual feature for a nova soon after its maximum: the early presence of high excitation emission lines such as He II and N III. We propose previously overlooked interpretations that KT Mon can be either a WZ Sge-type dwarf nova and an X-ray transient, although the possibility of an unusual or a recurrent nova is not completely excluded. If KT Mon is a WZ Sge-type dwarf nova, the system is expected to have a brown dwarf secondary. If KT Mon is an X-ray transient, the system is a good candidate for the nearest black-hole binary. Within our knowledge, the observed features seem to more strongly support the latter possibility. In all possibilities, we can expect a recurrent outburst in meaningfully near future.Comment: 4 pages, accepted for publication in Astron. Astrophy

Analysis of Some Immune Parameters in The Skin Mucus of Four Cultured Fish Species

The skin mucus layer and its components provide the first line of defense against fish pathogens. The skin mucus samples were taken from four species Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Siberian sturgeon (Acipender baerii), and the European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) for analyzing of some immune parameters. It is measured the activities of alkaline phosphatase, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, bactericidal activity (against Aeromonas hydrophila), total protein and immunoglobulin concentration. The sea bass had highest level of lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, and bactericidal activities, and so were the total protein and immunoglobulin concentrations. The alkaline phosphatase activity in skin mucus measured in Nile tilapia as maximum level while the immune activity observed in sea bass among fish species. The skin mucus determined a more robust bactericidal activity against A. hydrophila fish pathogen in all fish species. The current study results presented preliminary information for better comprehension of the function of skin mucus as a key component in the different fish immune systems in aquaculture

The use of Avena sativa extract against Aeromonas hydrophila and its effect on growth performance, hematological and immunological parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

In this research the effects of oat Avena sativa extract on the non-specific immune system of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was examined. For this purpose, the fishes (average weight 9.91 ± 1.52 g) were fed with 5 g kg −1, 10 g kg −1 and 20 g kg −1 oat extract supplemented diets for 60 days. Following 60 days of feeding, the fishes were injected with Aeromonas hydrophila and mortalities were recorded. Lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity, improved in all groups that received feed supplemented with oat extract. Serum glucose and cholesterol decreased while total protein and albumin in fish increased with the use of the diet supplement with oat extract. Haemoglobin (Hb), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) increased with diet supplemented with oat extract. Oat extract at the concentration of 10 g kg−1 showed significantly higher relative percentage survival (67%) when compared with the control against A. hydrophila injection. Also the dietary supplementation with oat extract caused a significant increase in growth parameters (final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), when compared to non-supplemented control basal diet. The results suggest that A. sativa extract can be used as a feed supplement to enhance fish immune response and disease resistance against A. hydrophila

Groundwater pollution by nitrate from agricultural fertilizers: The case of Menemen Basin (Aegean Region, Turkey)

4th International Water Congress, 2-4 November 2017, Izmir-TurkeyGroundwater is an essential drinking water source in Menemen sub­basin of İzmir city, Turkey. The aim of this study was to investigate the groundwater contamination by nitrates of agricultural lands. For this purpose, we evaluated variations of groundwater pH, redox potential, electrical conductivity (EC), major anions (NO3, Cl, SO4, HCO3 and CO3) and cations (Na, K, Ca and Mg). A statistical correlation procedure and piper diagram for hydrogeochemistry of groundwater were also applied. Nitrate levels were found to be higher around agricultural areas. Also EC values and Cl­ were measured to be higher as proximity to coastal areas increased, indicating seawater intrusion. Agricultural activities and excessive freshwater withdrawal were shown to impair groundwater quality and quantity at Menemen sub­basin